First car purchase. Opinions?

[Revinstant]

Hi everyone!

I've been car hunting for my first car and I came across this

http://iphone.darcarstoyota.com/ind...RX-8-448ac6e00a0d048e01fa269b9bcf3cbe_p_2Ehtm

I've read about the engine issues and I'm slightly worried, but it seems like an amazing machine for the price. Not to mention the community. Thoughts?

Also, out of curiousity. How do the flappy paddle gearbox's work if the car is automatic?

 

[hat1018]

Try again, that linked to 3 Toyotas.

 

[Revinstant]

Sorry! My mobile browser redirected. Here is the normal link.

http://www.darcarstoyota.com/used/Mazda/2006-Mazda-RX-8-448ac6e00a0d048e01fa269b9bcf3cbe.htm

 

[hat1018]

Looks pretty nice. Not a bad price. I would opt for a manual trans car though, a little more work but a lot more fun.

 

[eprx799]

the car is just a standard auto the paddles do the same thing that the +,- position does on any other automatic mazda. Also you have less hp and torque in the automatic RX8 than in the manual car. The automatics are an unloved member of the rotary family.

 

[hat1018]

So the paddle shift would be semi-fun.

 

[Jaleik]

The paddle shift is completely useless imo. If you're gonna get a rotary you gotta get it manual..

 

[Revinstant]

I def want manual...but the caveat is that I'm the first person in my house to drive and no one knows how to drive manual, and none of my friends. I know this sounds stupid..:but what is the learning curve...like if I watched vids on YouTube to get an idea?

Also, I've never driven a Mazda so what do the + and - do?

 

[hat1018]

The + is used to put the car into the next higher gear. The - to go to next lower gear. Judging from the fact you have never driven a manual shift car I would go with an automatic and learn to drive with that. Learning to drive a manual shift isn't too hard, but you have to be taught how to do it, I highly doubt you could just "pick it up". In time you could find someone with a manual shift car and learn it later.

 

[Revinstant]

Sounds solid since I doubt this'll be my only car lol. I'll prep for #2! as far as checking the car when I go see it, what do you guys recommend looking for(signs of wear and tear, etc) on an rx-8.

 

[solidtrance]

I would agree that you should try to find a manual, but this is a pretty good start if you are going to pick up an auto. Looks nice, its an '06 so it will have a 6 port motor, great color. Not a bad deal price wise, though your should be able to get them to come down a bit more yet. Make sure you have an mechanic that you trust take a look under the car to be sure that everything looks decent.

 

[alnielsen]

I would agree that you should try to find a manual, but this is a pretty good start if you are going to pick up an auto. Looks nice, its an '06 so it will have a 6 port motor, great color. Not a bad deal price wise, though your should be able to get them to come down a bit more yet. Make sure you have an mechanic that you trust take a look under the car to be sure that everything looks decent.

In "06" the power for the automatic models went up about 25 HP, so when your cruising with the guys with the manual trans cars, you won't be left behind.
January 1st the dealers have to pay tax on their inventory, so now is the best time to get a deal on a car. You can get the price knocked down a couple hundred extra dollars.